Repping Beantown

America has, on its northeastern coastline, a city that needs no introduction to its grand presence because just about everyone has heard of Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, about 645,000 residents live in the city, and they know the benefits of living in New England’s economic and cultural center.

Boston’s tourists and residents enjoy visiting the historical neighborhoods, which are a part of the city’s rich heritage. The North End has winding streets and old brick homes, and it has the feeling of being more old-world than a neighborhood such as Beacon Hill, which is the home of the Massachusetts State House. It is also one of many wealthier areas in the city and many homeowners have an alarm system. The Waterfront area across from Boston Harbor has the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, The Harpoon Brewery and many other wonderful attractions.

The Freedom Trail is Boston’s largest historical adventure, and it is a great experience for everyone. It is a red brick trail that covers 2.5 miles, and it has 16 historic sights including Paul Revere’s House and The Old North Church. Some feel that walking this trail is the best thing to do in Boston, although many would include a visit to Harvard, America’s most famous college.

Boston is by far a heartthrob American city that has all that it takes to offer every visitor the grand opportunity to relive history, experience the true definition of arts, enjoy great sport events, explore many informative museums, rediscover harbor islands and kick back at a famous brewery and (or) bars that are even more famous. If visiting Boston for the first time, the following is a list of must-sees and attractions to include on your list of things to do.

THE FREEDOM TRAIL

One of the best Ramble On

When one thinks of Boston, visions of succulent lobster, icy oysters, crab cakes and clam chowder come to mind. Although Boston hosts a plethora of restaurants with nearly every cuisine on the planet, it is a Nirvana for seafood lovers.

No trip to Boston would be complete without a night at the Union Oyster House. The restaurant is the oldest in Boston; it has continually operated since 1826 and has been a favorite of such notables as Daniel Webster and J.F.K. The menu is a catalog of the world’s greatest seafood recipes with appetizers Ramble On

Boston, Massachusetts is a culturally diverse city. The downtown area of the city encompasses several distinct areas with a wide range of cultural diversity. Stores, restaurants, hotels, theaters and a vibrant population all come together to create the city’s central area.

DOWNTOWN CROSSING SHOPPING

The major shopping area in downtown Boston is known as Downtown Crossing. This area is made up of several blocks of the central city. Every type of store can be found in the downtown crossing area. Pharmacies, retail stores, specialty clothing stores and book stores are Ramble On

With the lights from the Faneuil Hall tree only adding the city’s nighttime glow, Boston is perfect setting for a quintessential Christmas season. With the New England charm that can’t be replaced, historic remnants of a American history and Irish flair from across the Atlantic, Christmas in Boston is an experience all its own, adding its own cultural touch to America’s most celebrated holiday. So what is there to in Beantown to get in the spirit? Here’s a look at some local events you’re sure to enjoy. Holiday Pops at Symphony HallThe Holiday Pops concert is a great place to hear some of your favorite Christmas carols as performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra. Revisit timeless seasonal classics with Santa Claus on hand as a special guest. Fun for all ages, the Holiday Pops concert makes a great family outing, with sounds so inspiring you’ll be singing along well into the new year. Holiday Pops runs through the 26th of December, with tickets starting at 33.Candlelight Carols at Trinity ChurchCelebrate the true meaning of Christmas at one of the city’s most immaculate churches, while enjoying a lovely selection of lessons and carols, featuring traditional Christmas music and readings. The two day event takes place at 4 p.m. on December 19 and 7 p.m. on December 20. Day one serves as a fundraiser benefit, with tickets sold for 35, 65 and 100 dollars. Donations are encouraged at Day 2. Doors open one hour prior to showtime. Ramble On

After years of unprecedented success at Gilette Field, it’s hard to second guess Bill Belicheck, so why start now, but perhaps Tom Brady shed a few private tears in the comfort of his own home after hearing the Patriots traded WR Randy Moss to Minnesota, after 47 touchdown receptions in 3 years. Randy Moss was an integral part in the Patriots’ passing attack over the past 3 years, but he will return to where he began his NFL career just 4 games into the 2010 regular season.For the first time in his tenure with the Patriots, in what ironically was his last game in silver and blue, Moss was held without a reception. Of course, for a guy who has come into question over the years in terms of effort, one has to wonder how lockdown the Dolphins’ corners truly were on Sunday. No one is suggesting Randy was actively trying not to catch passes, but perhaps not trying his hardest to haul in slightly off the mark balls thrown his way. Moss had already gone on record saying he felt underappreciated in the Boston area, as if the local media and fan base wanted him to fail. So the feeling here is good riddance. The Patriots won Super Bowls with Deon Branch and David Patten leading the receiving corps, having an All-Pro receiver for Brady is more of a luxury than a necessity. Ramble On

Move over Hancock Place, your days as Boston’s largest immovable structure may be numbered as Shaquille O’Neal is expected to sign with the Celtics in the very near future. Though certainly no match for the towering 60-floor skyscraper in terms of sheer height, Shaq’s larger than life personality will surely make the already massive 325 lbs. center Boston’s most prominent asset over 7 feet tall. Not to mention, Shaq actually predates Boston’s tallest building, born in 1972, 4 years before construction on Hancock Place was complete. While his production on the court recently has declined relative to his peak performance years, Shaq is still a beloved superstar from coast to coast. Countless media appearances highlighted by his own reality show, Shaq Vs. (during which he takes on other celebrities at their chosen profession), has kept him relevant off the court as his on-court minutes wane.Still, if utilized effectively, Shaq can be a very effective player for the Celtics. Admittedly, a 38-year-old basketball player is well past his prime, but in sparing minutes he can still provide a valuable contribution. Kendrick Perkins is coming off an injury at the center position, while Rasheed Wallace, who came off the bench last year to spell Perkins, announced his retirement earlier this off-season. With an imposing Dwight Howard still dominating the interior down in Orlando, Bosh and Ilgauskas making their way to Miami, the Bulls bringing in Boozer to complement Noah and the Knicks signing Amare Stoudemire, the Celtics obviously feel the need to keep pace with their fellow Eastern Conference contenders in the big man arms race.Shaq played with the Cavaliers in 09-10, but became a free agent this off-season, eligible to sign with any team of his choosing. Last season, he averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds over the course of 23.4 minutes, while appearing in 53 games (all as a starter).

As one of America’s earliest settlements, the history of Boston is deeply rooted in that of our great nation. As a hotbed of unrest during the American Revolution, the city played a major role in both shaping our culture and securing our freedom. The home of outspoken revolutionaries, Continental Congressmen, Founding Fathers and tea party enthusiasts, Boston is a city rich in history and pride. Here is a look at some of the area’s legendary historical sites it would be almost treasonous to miss. Ramble On

While the Japanese have Godzilla, Boston is home to its own “Green Monster,” predating even the release of the original black and white film. Standing 37 ft. and 2 inches high, the sky-reaching faade has stood guard to Landsdowne St. since Fenway Park was originally constructed in 1912. The left field shadow of the Green Monster has been home to some of the game’s most decorated players including Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, not to mention modern day big league all-stars Manny Ramirez, Jason Bay and Jacoby Ellsbury. Ramble On

Dating back to the Great Potato Famine, Boston has long been the landing place for Irish settlers looking to make a home in the New World. To see evidence of Boston’s Irish influence, look no further than the clovers and Celtic crosses that frequent the area buildings, logos and street corners not just on St. Patrick’s day, but year round. Constituting over 15 of Boston’s population, people claiming Irish descent are the largest ethnic group in the city, almost twice the size of those with Italian heritage at just over 8. For a taste of Irish food and flair, Boston is graced by some of the nation’s most authentic Irish pubs. Here’s a look at a few that thirsty travelers would be advised to stop by. Ramble On